Torekhan Sabyrkhan: What I have today is thanks to my brother Makhmud, and my coach
October 28th, 2024 / IBA Youth World Boxing Championships
A younger brother of IBA World Champion Makhmud Sabyrkhan, Torekhan is aiming high at the ongoing IBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Budva, Montenegro. On Sunday, he has won his second bout, after the walkover of his injured rival in the first, and qualified for quarterfinals in the 67kg weight category.
He faced off against Samir Hamdam from Afghanistan in the last 16 and managed to score a unanimous victory.
‘Everything is going exceptionally well! I advanced through the first round without having to fight due to my opponent’s injury. The Afghan boxer is highly skilled, with a long reach and strong technique. It was a great fight. By the grace of Allah, I felt fully in sync with the bout. Now, we’re gearing up for the next round,’ Torekhan Sabyrkhan said.
He has two brothers, and the eldest was the first to take up boxing, followed by Makhmud, Tashkent 2023 champion.
‘Then, as a young boy running around the house, my father sent me to box, too. Every achievement I have today is thanks to my coach and my brother Makhmud,’ Torekhan added.
He wore his brother’s champion vest from Tashkent after his victory against Hamdam.
‘This vest I am wearing holds special significance for me. My brother Makhmud wore it when he won gold at the IBA World Championships in Tashkent. For me, this IBA Youth World Boxing Championships marks my final competition in the youth category, after which I will progress to the elite level and aim for greater goals. Allah willing, if I win the elite World Championships in 2025, I will proudly display this uniform,’ he claimed.
He plans to get as far as the first place in Budva.
‘This tournament is my last opportunity in the youth age group. I am determined to raise my country’s flag high and hear Kazakhstan’s anthem play in Montenegro. We will achieve this goal with God’s help,’ Sabyrkhan added.
Torekhan Sabyrkhan’s next fight is scheduled for 29 October against Uzbekistan’s Akbar Akhmadov.
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Media contacts:
Elena Sobol, Head of Communications and PR, International Boxing Association: elena.sobol@iba.sport
